An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of a property to identify any ACMs that may be present. This involves taking samples from suspected materials and having them tested by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. The results of the survey will determine whether or not the materials contain asbestos, and if so, what type of asbestos is present.

There are two main types of asbestos survey: management and refurbishment/demolition. A management survey is the standard survey carried out to identify ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy of a building. A refurbishment/demolition survey is required before any refurbishment, demolition, or dismantling of a building, and involves a more intrusive inspection to locate any ACMs that may be present that could be disturbed during the proposed work.